Britain told US that invading Iraq could cost Blair his premiership, papers reveal
The GuardianMonday, July 21, 2025 at 11:01:37 PM
Newly released documents show that Tony Blair's top adviser bluntly warned the US in 2003 that invading Iraq without UN backing could backfire politically—even costing Blair his job. The adviser, David Manning, told Condoleezza Rice that pushing for "regime change" in Baghdad might trigger "regime change in London" too, highlighting how high the stakes were for Blair domestically.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a dusty historical footnote—it’s a rare peek into the behind-the-scenes tensions of the Iraq War, showing how much Blair risked to back Bush. Two decades later, it adds fuel to debates about rushed wars, political loyalty, and who pays the price for decisions made in closed rooms. For Brits, it’s also a reminder of how deeply that war shook trust in leadership.
— Curated via WP Now’s
